Timing Chains and Belts
Most modern vehicles use an overhead camshaft that accurately times intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events to keep a vehicle’s engine cylinders filling efficiently and completely for good power, fuel efficiency, and low emissions.
The camshaft is driven by a chain or fiber belt. While a steel chain, running in oil, can easily last the life of the vehicle, the belt needs replacement at recommended intervals. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend belt replacement somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A belt has a core of aramid fiber covered with rubber and other materials. While the belt is as strong as steel, it is perpetually bending around the crankshaft and the camshaft sprockets. Like an inexpensive steel coat hanger, when bent back and forth many times, it will eventually become brittle and break.
Camshaft timing belts are engineered to last well beyond the mileage at which vehicle manufacturers recommend replacement. However, for every belt, there is a finite life. The actual life can vary with many factors such as average engine speed, ambient temperature, and others.
When the belt comes to the end of its life, it will break. When it does, the camshaft stops turning. A vehicle designed with a non-interference engine can survive this. In an interference engine, the pistons will collide with valves that remain open, severely damaging the engine. An engine that has been damaged in this way is still reparable. So, if you are told by a shop that the valves are damaged and you need a new engine, let ASR diagnose your vehicle. We may save you time and money.
To avoid this type of failure, plan to change the timing belt at the mileage interval recommended by the manufacturer. ASR can provide belt replacement at a reasonable price, compared to the dealership. We can also schedule a fast turnaround to get your vehicle back on the road quickly with additional confidence that your timing belt replacement is done correctly and will last until the next timing belt replacement interval.
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